Biotin vs Collagen

Biotin vs Collagen: Which One Should You Choose?

Biotin and collagen supplements have both gained popularity in the last decade. If you are looking for a supplement to promote hair and skin health, you may be wondering which of the two to choose.

This article will discuss in detail what collagen is, what biotin is, the benefits of each, and how supplementation would help. Read on:

Collagen

Below is all you need to know about collagen and collagen supplements.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a naturally occurring fibrous protein in the body. Notably, it is the most abundant fibrous protein in the body as it accounts for a third of the total protein composition. Collagen is also found in foods such as bone broth, chicken, and pork skin.

It serves as a building block that helps to hold together bones, ligaments, tendons, muscles, blood vessels, skin, teeth, and eye corneas. It also helps with blood clotting.

There are over 16 types of collagen. However, four main types are the most abundant in the human body, including Type I, Type II, Type III, and Type IV.

Type I is the most abundant and accounts for 90% of the total collagen composition in the body. Structurally, it is made of densely packed fiber and holds together skin, bone, connective tissue, fibrous cartilage, and tendons. 

Type II comprises loosely packed fibers and is most commonly found in elastic cartilage in the joints. Type III supports the structure of arteries, organs, and muscles, while Type IV is found in the skin layers.

Why Would You Need to Take a Collagen Supplement?

As you grow older, the amount of collagen that is naturally produced by the body reduces significantly. Factors such as smoking, illness, an unhealthy diet, and excessive exposure to the sun, among others, can cause a further decrease in the level of collagen in your body.

The body produces collagen in a form known as procollagen by combining two amino acids – proline and glycine. Vitamin C and copper facilitate the procollagen production process.

Therefore, it is essential to consume a diet rich in proline and glycine and copper, and vitamin C to enable the body to produce adequate amounts of collagen. Lack of these micronutrients can also inhibit collagen production in the body.

Since collagen plays a pivotal role in the various parts of the body, if it is not enough, then these parts can begin to deteriorate health-wise and in their outward appearance.

Your skin may begin to become supple and loose, while your nails may become brittle. Also, you need to take food rich in collagen or collagen supplements.

There are two main collagen supplement types: hydrolyzed collagen/ collagen hydrolysate and gelatin. Typically, the supplements are manufactured in powder form that can be incorporated with various foods, including soups, smoothies, and baked foods, without gelling or compromising the food’s taste. Or in capsule form.

Benefits of Collagen Supplements

Collagen Supplements

Collagen supplements offer several benefits for your overall health, including:

  • Minimizes wrinkles
  • Promotes muscle building
  • Promotes bone formation
  • Prevents bone loss
  • Alleviates joint pain and helps in the management of arthritis
  • Adds luster to the skin
  • Promotes healthy nail and hair growth
  • Promote brain health
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Promote wound healing

Biotin

Below is all you need to know about biotin and biotin supplementation.

What Is Biotin?

Biotin is a type of vitamin B complex, referred to as vitamin H or vitamin B7. It plays a crucial role in the body of promoting conversion of food into energy. It is also critical for healthy skin, hair growth, eyes, nervous system, brain, and liver.

Why Would You Need to Take a Collagen Supplement?

The body does not produce biotin, and it relies on dietary sources for supply. Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin, meaning that it cannot be stored in the body.

Therefore, you need to consistently eat foods that contain biotin to meet your Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). It can be found in foods such as egg yolks, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, bananas, broccoli, liver nuts, and seeds

While you could be taking foods rich in biotin, factors such as digestive disorders, aging, and wrong food combinations can hinder its absorption, leading to a deficiency.

Biotin deficiency can cause hair loss, hair thinning, dry skin, skin rashes, brittle nails, or lethargy.

Biotin Supplement

Benefits of Biotin Supplements

Although research on biotin is still minimal, a few studies show that the vitamin can prevent hair loss and promote healthy hair growth overall. Other studies point to the benefits of biotin in managing conditions such as alopecia and dermatitis.

Which Is Better: Collagen vs Biotin?

Both collagen and biotin help to promote optimal skin, hair, and nail health. However, collagen has exceptional benefits in joint and bone health, muscle development, and organ development.

Biotin promotes fat and carbohydrate metabolism for cell growth and development. Also, biotin can help in the management of alopecia and dermatitis.

Can I Take Biotin and Collagen Together?

Consuming each type of supplement on its own will offer you numerous benefits. However, the two form the ultimate combination for promoting healthy skin, hair growth, and joint health. Also, ensure you eat foods rich in micronutrients to promote your overall wellbeing.

Product Review

Now that you know the role of each type of supplement, you might be keen on one or both. Below is a review of the best collagen and biotin supplementation on Amazon.

Best Biotin Supplement: Sport Research Biotin with Coconut Oil

Sale
Sports Research Vegan Biotin 5000mcg with Organic Coconut Oil - Extra Strength Biotin Vitamin B7 for Healthier Hair & Skin + Keratin Support - Non-GMO & Gluten Free, 120 Softgels (4 Month Supply)
  • ENERGY PRODUCTION SUPPORT: Also known as Vitamin B7, Biotin plays an important role in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats & proteins. This once-a-day formula makes it easier to get the essential micronutrient*
  • HEALTHY HAIR & SKIN: Healthy hair and skin require consistent keratin synthesis—the protein found in our cells. Our biotin supplements give you a chance to increase these production levels naturally, leading to results you can both see and feel*
  • VEGAN CERTIFIED: Our biotin is Vegan Certified and encapsulated in the world’s only non-GMO verified, bovine, and carrageenan-free, Plantgel capsule. It’s filler-free, formulated with organic coconut oil, and Manufactured in the USA in cGMP-compliant facilities
  • PREMIUM, POTENT FORMULAS: Take your pick between our High Potency Biotin 2,500 mcg, Extra Strength Biotin 5,000 mcg, and Max Strength Biotin 10,000 mcg—all gluten-free, soy-free, and made with cold-pressed 100% organic coconut oil
  • THE SPORTS RESEARCH DIFFERENCE: Founded in Southern California in 1980, Sports Research is a family-owned business born from a passion for fitness and wellness. Our goal is to embrace the sport of life through research-backed products created for every body—inside and out

This dietary supplement is designed to help with skin, nail, and hair health. Each serving contains 5000mcg of highly potent biotin. The serving exceeds the daily RDV by 16 667%. The biotin is in the form of non-GMO soft gels, and each packaging contains 120 soft gels.

It contains plant-based ingredients such as organic virgin coconut oil, rice bran wax, vegetable glycerin, and purified water, and plant gel capsule.

The biotin supplement is soy-free, gluten-free, and does not contain artificial coloring or flavorings. However, the manufacturer recommends against taking it if you are prone to acne.

Best Collagen Supplement: Vital Vitamins Multi Collagen Complex

Sale
Vital Vitamins Collagen for Women & Men - Type I, II, III, V, X Multi Collagen Pills - Grass Fed, Non-GMO - 150 Capsules
  • Complete Collagen Blend: Discover the ultimate collagen solution with our Collagen Complex. Packed with hydrolyzed collagen peptides from bovine, marine, chicken bone broth, & eggshell membrane sources, our pills deliver I, II, III, V, & X collagen.
  • Revitalize Inside Out: Combat the effects of collagen depletion with our potent formula. Formulated with 5 types of collagen, our pills promote enhanced skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons, joints, & gut health. Experience vitality & renewed radiance.
  • Youthful Renewal: Unlock the secret to ageless beauty. Collagen regeneration stimulates the body to renew tissues & maintain a radiant skin complexion. Restore your youth with easy-to-swallow Multi Collagen capsules for both men and women.
  • Advanced Absorption: Elevate your collagen intake with our high-absorption pills. Each collagen capsule is enriched with Digeseb for superior absorption. A convenient alternative to powder or liquid, these compact pills are perfect for on-the-go use.
  • Holistic Support: Elevate your wellness journey with our Multi Collagen Complex, a powerhouse of benefits for hair, skin, & nails. Crafted with precision, our non-GMO, hormone-free capsules are your go-to solution for supporting overall health.

The Vital Vitamins Multi Collagen Complex contains five types of collagen, including I, II, III, V, and X. It is made with Non-GMO ingredients from grass-fed animals. It promotes healthy joints and helps to repair dry skin and brittle hair and nails.

The supplement is in the form of capsules. Each capsule is enhanced with Digesb for enhanced collagen absorption. A package contains 150 capsules. This supplement is gluten-free, dairy-free, and free of hormones. However, it contains fish and eggs.

Final Thoughts

Both biotin and collagen are beneficial for hair, skin, and nail health. However, biotin has additional benefits in managing and treating alopecia and dermatitis, while collagen is particularly beneficial for bone and joint health. When choosing between biotin and collagen, consider the particular issue you want help with.

Collagen and Biotin FAQs

Are Collagen and Biotin Supplements Safe?

Generally, collagen and biotin supplements are safe to use for most adults. According to WebMD, there are no reported side effects associated with collagen or biotin supplements.

However, collagen and biotin product reviews on Amazon indicate that some users experience side effects such as rashes, nausea, bloating, and diarrhea. You should check the particular product’s leaflet to find out whether any side effects are indicated.

There is not enough research to determine whether they are safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Therefore, it is best to avoid them if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is also advisable that you consult your doctor about incorporating them into your health regimen. Keep in mind that supplements are not regulated or monitored by the U.S Food and Drug Administration.

Are Collagen and Biotin Supplements Suitable for Vegans and Vegetarians?

Since most collagen supplements are made from animal protein or bones, they are not vegan or vegetarian friendly. However, there a few vegan options available on the market.

On the other hand, biotin supplements are primarily made from plant-based ingredients; therefore, they are vegan and vegetarian friendly.

What is the Right Dose for Biotin or Collagen Supplements?

There is no standard dosage for collagen or biotin supplements as it varies from one product to another. See the product packaging or information leaflet for guidelines on the right dosage.

Adhere to the recommended doses strictly to avoid any side effects. Ingesting high amounts of biotin can result in a false positive for thyroid disease in laboratory tests.

Are There Biotin or Collagen Topical Supplements on the Market?

Biotin and collagen supplements are primarily manufactured and sold in the form of capsules, pills, or powder. A few topical products such as a collagen shampoo, creams, and conditioners claim to contain collagen or biotin. There is no evidence that topical collagen or biotin works.